A good fight opposed the Los Angeles Clippers, fourth in the Western Conference, to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The two teams did not leave each other during the whole meeting, and it was ultimately the Californians who won (105-100). They thus ended a series of three consecutive defeats (against New Orleans, Phoenix and Denver).
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George and Jackson make the difference
For this game, Toronto was deprived of Kyle Lowry (injured back) and OG Anunoby (suffering from a calf). The LA Clippers, they were able to count on Patrick Beverley, who had not played for a month, following a broken hand. At the break, the Raptors were ahead, but a short header (54-48). And, at the end of the third quarter, the two teams were still tied (82-82).
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The last 12 minutes were just as tense. At 2’30 ” from the buzzer, there were 99-99 on the scoreboard. Then Paul George slammed a three-point shot for the Clippers, emulated a minute later by Reggie Jackson. Apart from a free throw from Pascal Siakam, the Toronto Raptors, they no longer scored in the money time. Thanks to this victory, Los Angeles is now third in the Western Conference, in place of Denver, beaten Monday by the Lakers (93-89).
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The Clippers await the Lakers
Paul George (22 points), Marcus Morris (22 pts) and Reggie Jackson (18) were the most effective in the ranks of the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard scored 13 points. Nicolas Batum played 20 minutes, making a seven-point stats sheet and a rebound. For his comeback, Beverley scored eight points. The Raptors, for their part, relied on Fred VanVleet (27 points, 13 rebounds) and Pascal Siakam (24 pts).
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The two teams will return Thursday on the floors of the NBA. The Clippers have a derby against the Lakers waiting for them, while Toronto will host Washington.
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Sacramento enfonce Oklahoma City
On Tuesday, the Sacramento Kings won at the Oklahoma City Thunder (103-99), with seven players over 10 points (including Buddy Hield and Terence Davis at 18). On the Thunder side, Theo Maledon scored six points, and Jaylen Hoard, who started off the bench, scored nine (plus seven rebounds). Sacramento claimed a third straight victory, while Oklahoma City now remains on four straight losses.
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